The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British
order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the
Civil service.[2] It was established on 4 June 1917 by
King George V, and comprises five classes across both civil and military divisions, the most senior two of which make the recipient either a
knight if male or
dame if female.[3] There is also the related
British Empire Medal, whose recipients are affiliated with, but not members of, the order.

Recommendations for appointments to the Order of the British Empire were at first made on the nomination of the United Kingdom, the self-governing
Dominions of the Empire (later Commonwealth) and the
Viceroy of India. Nominations continue today from Commonwealth countries that participate in recommending British (Imperial) honours. Most Commonwealth countries, such as India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Canada ceased recommendations for appointments to the Order of the British Empire when they created their own honours.[4]